The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service staff at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge is preparing to conduct controlled burns. These burns reduce hazardous fuel levels on the refuge and enhance and restore wildlife habitat. The map below depicts the locations of proposed burning on the Refuge. We will begin controlled burning when the fuel and weather conditions allow us to meet burn objectives safely. We may add some controlled burns, break them into smaller units, or delay them for another year.

Burning is planned for some time between October 2026 and March 2027, depending on weather conditions. Burning will occur only when weather conditions are favorable and on days when smoke will disperse into the predominant airflow. Controlled burns are conducted in accordance with regional air quality guidelines and WA-DNR  permitting procedures.

These prescribed fires will reduce wildfire risk on the refuge and help restore native habitat. Smoke may be visible during the prescribed burns; the refuge will provide community updates on its website when a prescribed burn prescribed burn
A prescribed burn is the controlled use of fire to restore wildlife habitat, reduce wildfire risk, or achieve other habitat management goals. We have been using prescribed burn techniques to improve species habitat since the 1930s.

Learn more about prescribed burn is taking place. Prescribed burn operations require many months, and sometimes years, of planning and preparation. On the refuge, prescribed burning takes place after tree thinning and piling to manage vegetation that could fuel future wildfires. This is an important part of the refuge’s habitat management planning and has occurred on the refuge for many years. Scientific evidence over the last several decades has illustrated the beneficial role low-intensity fires play in fire-dependent forests like those on the refuge. Prescribed fire, when used strategically and repeatedly, helps sustain healthy ecosystems, reduces the risk of catastrophic wildfires, and reduces the severity of future wildfires when they do occur, which can help keep communities and firefighters safer.

Burning operations are planned for units near Cheney-Plaza, and one encompasses Depot Springs Rd. Commuters should watch for prescribed burn signs, fire personnel on the roadway, and smoke. Drivers are encouraged to slow down near burn operations but keep moving with traffic to avoid traffic stoppages and clogs. Be aware of any temporary traffic control features in use in prescribed fire areas. “Safety is the number one priority during a prescribed burn,” said Project Leader Kelly Moroney. “We will work with federal, state, and county agencies and departments to complete these prescribed fire projects throughout the next several months.”

Burn Units

Questions?

For questions, please reach out to refuge management at the Turnbull Office: 509-235-4723 or the Deputy Project Leader: 509-559-3021